Oregon: Governor Brown Signs Egregious “Universal” Background Check Bill

In unfortunate news for gun owners in Oregon, Governor Kate Brown (D) signed into law Senate Bill 941 today, legislation that expands background checks to private transfers.  The background check portion of this bill will go into effect in 90 days.

As previously reported, SB 941 requires individuals to appear before a gun dealer to request a criminal background check prior to privately transferring a firearm, absent limited exceptions.  Transfers include, but are not limited to, sales, gifts, loans and leases.  Failure to comply with this mandate could result in stiff penalties and possible loss of an individual’s Right to Keep and Bear Arms.  Despite concessions from supporters of the bill, SB 941 still passed by a narrow margin, subjecting Oregonians to faulty legislation.  The legislators who cast their vote in favor did so despite overwhelming opposition from constituents, law enforcement, county commissioners and licensed firearms dealers.  

 NRA is deeply disappointed in the passage of this flawed legislation that was drafted under the guise of preventing crime and heavily influenced by out-of-state anti-gun groups with a background of stifling the Second Amendment.  SB 941 will do nothing to make the people of Oregon any safer, but will instead create bureaucratic hurdles that could turn law-abiding gun owners into criminals simply for exercising their constitutional rights.  Thank you to all of our members who actively opposed this legislation as it progressed through the Oregon Legislative Assembly and for your continued support throughout the 2015 legislative session.